By Joe Johnson, Rice County Sheriff’s Office – Emergency Management
As winter approaches, it’s critical to prepare for extreme cold, snow, and icy conditions. These storms can last a few hours or several days and cut off heat, power, and communication.
Winter storms create a higher risk of car crashes, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, residential fires and heart attacks from overexertion.
To help ensure that you and your loved ones are prepared, follow these steps below:
Create an Emergency Kit: it should have essential items like food, water, blankets, winter clothing sand or cat litter, phone charger and flashlights. Be sure to have one in your home, car and at work.
Stay fire safe: keep combustibles away from wood stoves and space heaters. Have fireplace and wood burning stove chimneys inspected and cleaned prior to use, extinguish candles before leaving room. Stay in the kitchen when cooking.
Be alert for CO: Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless, and invisible byproduct of fuel and wood burning appliances and vehicles. Install CO alarms on every level of your home and in each sleeping area. Consider adding a CO alarm in your ice fishing shelter as well. Signs of CO poisoning includes headaches, nausea, fatigue, vomiting and disorientation.
Give snowplows room to work: check road conditions on 511mn.org before heading out. Be patient and stay five car lengths behind the plow. Slow down to a speed that’s safe for current conditions and give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination. Buckle up and ensure your young passengers are in the proper seat for their age and stage of development. Avoid unnecessary travel if road conditions are poor.
Enjoy the outdoors safely: There is no such thing as 100% safe ice; carry ice picks and know how to self-rescue if you fall through. Wear layers of loose-fitting warm clothing, hat, and mittens. Be alert for frostbite and hypothermia. Protect your back and listen to your body when shoveling. If something doesn’t feel right or you are tired, take a break and re-evaluate how you feel before shoveling again.
Prepare early to ensure your family’s comfort and safety. For more tips, visit www.ricecountymn.gov/623/Winter-Hazard-Awareness
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